McKoon: Balfour Fine Too Weak

Associated Press

Updated: 2 years ago.

Joshua McKoon, a Columbus Republican, said Monday that the $5,000 fine that Don Balfour negotiated with the Ethics Committee last week is insufficient. McKoon wants the attorney general to consider Balfour's actions. He called for the full Senate to consider a censure resolution, and he wants Balfour removed as Rules Committee chairman. (GPB File Photo.)

A first-term state senator wants stiffer penalties for a veteran colleague who admitted filing erroneous documentation so he could get paid for in-state work on days he was not in Georgia.

Joshua McKoon, a Columbus Republican, said Monday that the $5,000 fine that Don Balfour negotiated with the Ethics Committee last week is insufficient. McKoon, the lone member to vote against the settlement, filed a minority report with the Senate.

McKoon wants the attorney general to consider Balfour's actions. He called for the full Senate to consider a censure resolution, and he wants Balfour removed as Rules Committee chairman. That post gives the Snellville Republican considerable power over Senate business. McKoon also

Balfour's attorney, Robert Highsmith, said the Ethics Committee vote means the matter is over, regardless of McKoon's filing.